Spotting a drunk driver

Jan Withers, National President of MADD, shares advice for parents on tips for teaching their teen how to spot a drunk driver when they are out on the road
Advice For Parenting Teens | How To Spot A Drunk Driver
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Spotting a drunk driver

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You want to talk to your children or your teens about being very vigilant on the road to protect themselves. If they happen to see another driver that they consider to be impaired, there are things that they can look for. Frequently, an impaired driver or drunk driver will straddle the center line. They will be weaving or immediately making a left turn from the right lane or any unsafe behavior. They could be driving very, very slowly. If it's at night, they might be driving without their lights on. If their behavior becomes erratic in any way, you want to make sure that your teens are aware that they want to stay as far away from that car as possible. They don't want to pass that car to get away from them. If they can, take note of the make of the car, the color of the car, and maybe the license number. Then pull off of the road and come to a complete stop and call 9-1-1 and let Law Enforcement, the ones that keep us safe, go and find that car and get them off the road.

Jan Withers, National President of MADD, shares advice for parents on tips for teaching their teen how to spot a drunk driver when they are out on the road

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Jan Withers

National President, MADD

Jan Withers joined MADD in 1992, after her 15-year-old daughter, Alisa Joy, was killed by an underage drinker who chose to drive after consuming numerous alcoholic beverages. Withers first volunteered by sharing her story and lobbying for tougher legislation. She wanted to make a difference by helping to stop this 100 percent preventable violent crime. Now as National President, Jan Withers speaks to lawmakers across the country about the importance of legislation requiring ignition interlocks (or “in-car breathalyzers”) for all drunk driving offenders, a key part of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. She also advocates for federal legislation that provides research funding for technology that will turn cars into the cure for drunk driving. In addition, Withers continues to raise awareness for MADD’s victim support services, even leading a monthly support group — while also expanding the reach of MADD’s underage drinking prevention programs.

Driving, Alcohol Use
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Transcription: 
You want to talk to your children or your teens about being very vigilant on the road to protect themselves. If they happen to see another driver that they consider to be impaired, there are things that they can look for. Frequently, an impaired driver or drunk driver will straddle the center line. They will be weaving or immediately making a left turn from the right lane or any unsafe behavior. They could be driving very, very slowly. If it's at night, they might be driving without their lights on. If their behavior becomes erratic in any way, you want to make sure that your teens are aware that they want to stay as far away from that car as possible. They don't want to pass that car to get away from them. If they can, take note of the make of the car, the color of the car, and maybe the license number. Then pull off of the road and come to a complete stop and call 9-1-1 and let Law Enforcement, the ones that keep us safe, go and find that car and get them off the road.